pay it forward scholarship & mentoring program...the pay it forward scholarship & mentoring...
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Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program
For First-Generation College Students in Monterey County
OUR HISTORYThe Pay It Forward Scholarship &
Mentoring Program began in the Fall of 2008 through the wisdom and
generosity of Mike and Linda Dorn. Inspired by the movie of the same
name, the Dorns designed the program, funded the first 9 scholars and then got
their colleagues to become mentors. The Dorns have continued to support
the program each year by funding additional scholarships and inspiring
others to do the same.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS
First-Generation College Student
US Citizen or Permanent Resident
Meets the A-G Requirements for
CSUMB
Resident of Monterey County for at least the
past 5 years
OUR PROGRAM
Through private funds, the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program provides a
four-year, $20,000 scholarship at California State University, Monterey Bay, to local Monterey County residents who are first-generation college students.
OUR PROGRAM
Each scholarship recipient is mentored for four years by a community leader who helps them navigate the
challenges of college life. In turn, these scholars must attend monthly meetings and maintain a four-year
graduation track at a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
OUR PROGRAM
Scholars must also provide mentoring for a minimum of 5 hours per month. The young people who are mentored are first-generation students as well,
creating a cycle of local college students who are contributing to their community, even as they study.
SELECTION PROCESS
Counselor, Teacher, or Administrator
nominates a student that meets
the eligibility criteria
Nominated student completes online
application including short essay questions
Scholarship Committee reviews
applications to determine those
who will be interviewed
Scholarship Committee
interviews and selects scholars to
receive an offer
SCHOLARS COMMITMENT
Maintain 4-year graduation track with a minimum
2.5 cumulative GPA
Mentor a young person in the
community for at least 5 hours per
month
Attend and engage in monthly meetings
Share grades, schedules, wins,
and obstacles with mentor and meet once per month
PROGRAM COMMITMENT
Fundraise for scholarships and distribute $500 per month for 10
months a year
Connect scholar with mentee and
mentor and provide training, resources,
and support
Meet with scholars and mentors to support their
success and assist with obstacles
Create engaging and valuable
monthly meetings and invite
appropriate speakers
WATCHWORDS
COMMITMENT ACCOUNTABILITY EXCELLENCE GRACIOUSNESS
OUR IMPACT79% overall graduation rate with 57% graduating in 4 years; double the rate of 28% for first-generation students at CSUMB and more than five times the national rate of 11%
54% graduate with honors (cum laude (3.5-3.7), magna cum laude (3.8-3.9), summa cum laude (4.0+)) while current scholars average a 3.5 cumulative GPA
20,000 hours of tutoring and mentoring provided by scholars to youth in Monterey County since the program began in 2008 (value of half a million dollars)
67 students currently participating of the 173 students served since 2008, representing 16 different Monterey County High Schools
OUR IMPACT150 community leaders mentoring our scholars, offering insights, connections, and wisdom while helping them successfully navigate the challenges of college life
2.1 million dollars in scholarships distributed with an additional $850,000 raised or pledged for future distribution to current scholars
10 monthly program meetings per year covering financial literacy, study skills, accessing campus and community resources, interviewing, resume-writing, networking, time management, relationship-building, studying abroad, and dealing with stress
Alumni working locally and nationally at Monterey Peninsula College, San Jose Earthquakes, Hayashi Wayland, CSU Monterey Bay, Uber, Natividad Medical Center, Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, Northrop Grumman, Scribe America, and Alisal Elementary and Salinas High School Districts
OUR SCHOLARS
HOW TO YOUR SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT(S)Complete our online nomination form ON TIME for each eligible student you are nominating
○ Nomination Period: 10/11/19 to 12/12/19○ You can access the link on our webpage or provide me with
your email address so that you will be included on our list of nominators and receive notification each year when the nomination period opens
○ The majority of selected students are high school seniors, however some are transfer students (usually freshmen)
HOW TO YOUR SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT(S)Encourage your nominee to complete their online application ON TIME
○ Application Period: 1/17/20 to 2/13/20○ Only properly nominated students can apply○ As their nominator, you will be copied on email
communications from the program to the student, including when they receive their application along with instructions and the due date
HOW TO YOUR SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT(S)Help your nominee prepare for their in-person interview
○ Interview Period: 4/6/20 to 4/9/20○ As their nominator, you will be notified if your student is
among those selected for an in-person interview○ The panel consists of current mentors who understand the
program and ask each student the same series of questions to determine who is selected to receive the scholarship (total # determined by fundraising efforts)
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR SUCCESSVolunteer to be a mentor Four-year commitment to meet monthly during the school year and help your scholar navigate challenges as well as provide them with connections and opportunities
Refer guest speakers for meetings Scholars love to hear the journeys of fellow first-generation students and also learn skills from experts
Provide money for scholarships The unique partnership with CSUMB UCorp and FCF means that all administrative costs associated with PIF are covered! EVERY dollar donated goes to directly to a student